Algeria Ends Work on Skikda Refinery and Opens LNG Unit

Source: Reuters 1/25/2014, Location: Africa

Algeria has completed maintenance and improvement work at its largest oil refinery, Skikda, and will start up a new 4.5 million tonnes per year liquefied natural gas (LNG) unit at the complex, a senior energy official told Reuters.

OPEC member Algeria started modernization work at the 335,000 barrels-per-day refinery months ago and it began building the new LNG unit three years ago.

"The (LNG) mega train will come onstream and maintenance at the refinery is completed," the official said.

Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal was scheduled to visit the complex later on Saturday. Algeria earlier this month announced a new energy bidding round set for August, when the North African oil and gas producer hopes to draw more foreign energy investment to help boost its flagging production.